Kimball Union Mourns the loss of Steven Sotloff '02

Steven Sotloff came to Kimball Union as a sophomore in 1999. He was an active and involved student whose interest in journalism was evident early on. He is credited with revitalizing the student newspaper, The Kimball Union, and was recognized for his efforts with the Lawton Award for Journalism at graduation. Steven was an active and involved student who took advantage of the many opportunities available to him while he was a student here. He was also a student council representative, admissions tour guide, and active member of the Kimball Union Fire Brigade. He played on varsity football and rugby teams and appeared in the musical, Cabaret.

A loyal and connected alumnus, he had served as his class reporter since he graduated. Steven kept in close touch with Kimball Union, his teachers and his classmates.

Head of school Mike Schafer received emails from Steven in the spring of 2011 and shared the following in the Kimball Union Magazine. Steven was operating on the ground in Libya for a multi-national news agency. He shared that he was often under fire, in hiding or on the move. He detailed the destruction, chaos and suffering he was observing. It was important to him that Kimball Union students were exposed to world issues like the Arab Spring. Steven wrote that Kimball Union had prepared him to see the world through different lenses and to commit to using what he learned to help others.

Steven returned to campus to share some of his experiences at Kimball Union’s biennial Global Fair in April 2012 where he captivated his audiences with his presentation on the causes and outcomes of the 2011 Arab Spring and the roles that culture and religion played in the uprisings.

Steven was dedicated to putting a human face on the sufferings and hardships in the some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones. His work became a humanitarian mission that helped others gain a more accurate and realistic global perspective on issues in the Middle East. "His courageous actions have and will always inspire our students and our community,” said Head of School Mike Schafer, “While the Kimball Union community mourns the terrible loss of Steven Sotloff, we proudly celebrate his important legacy and his deep commitment to making the world a better place. We send our deepest condolences to the Sotloff family.”

Plans to honor Steven will be announced at a later date.

Letter to KUA Community from Head of School Mike Schafer - September 2, 2014